Answering Service Pricing: How Much Does It Really Cost?

There is and old expression that says “If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is“ and the same holds true when comparing the cost of an answering service. Shopping for an answering service should start by clearly defining what you’re looking for. You need to know what types of services are important to you, what the qualities you value in an answering service area, and how much money you’re willing to pay. Of course, in an ideal world, everyone wants great service and to save as much money as possible. How much does an answering service cost? Answering this question with little knowledge of a clients needs would be like asking a cab driver how much does it cost for a ride, yet he has no idea where you are going. Sure, he could give you a general idea, but what you’re really asking is what will your total cost be. So, to give a cab driver generic answer to what you can expect to pay for answer service we might say:

$0.90 – $1.25 Average industry cost per minute of receptionist time actively handling your call.

$1.35 – $1.50 Typical cost per call taken by your answering service.

$99 – $147 Estimated monthly cost for answering services.

Of course all these prices vary based on items like volume of calls and the duration of each call. Some clients simply need the name, number, and a brief message taken (about 1 minute), while others will require duration’s upwards of 5 to 6 minutes, thereby greatly increasing the cost per call.

Why A Cheaper Answering Service Probably Isn’t Better

If you shop in the bargain basement of any industry, you often get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank however, as there are fantastic answering services that offer a high quality service for a reasonable price. When someone seems to be offering extremely low prices that are out of sync with what other vendors are offering, you need to ask yourself why and how they are doing this.

Often, this type of pricing comes at the sacrifice of service, consistency and reliability from the answering service. These are all areas where you really can’t afford to come up short, as it can affect your business much more than paying a little more for a high quality service would.

For instance, sometimes when a client is unhappy with the service provided by a budget answering service, there is a very good reason for it. Businesses will sometimes get complaints about being placed on hold for long periods of time, or being treated rudely from the people who answer the phones. Obviously, this is the last thing you want, but it can get even worse.

Lowest Possible Prices For Answering Services

Sometimes, an answering service that only focuses on providing the lowest possible price won’t even have enough staff to cover all of the calls received on behalf of their clients. In these situations, they often simply let calls go unanswered. Most people hire an answering service in the first place precisely to make sure that calls are never missed, that everyone is treated politely, and that everyone receives the best customer service possible. You might have the most affordable answering service in the world, but if they’re treating your customers like that, they’re not worth even that low price.

Instead, look for a company that will work with you to create a plan that actually meets your needs, without providing you with extra services or add-ons that aren’t necessary for your business model. A great answering service should be willing to work with you collaboratively to find the best possible solution for your company.

For more information on answering service prices please email us or call sales at 1.800.875.0114 and be sure to ask about our 7 day test drive.

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